Viking Weekend: Viking Market in Jelling, DK

One of the first weekends in July, we decided to check out a Viking market in the town of Jelling, Denmark. Jelling is well-known by the Danes for being an ancient home to the Vikings. In fact, “more than 1000 years ago, the Viking kings Gorm and Harald built two mounds, on which two large stones were positioned, as well as a gigantic grave marker. The Jelling Monuments are a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We just thought it would be something that would interest our two small fellows. Along with the cool mound that you could climb to the top and look all around, this weekend was a special time at the site with lots to see.

Jelling, Denmark with Kids

Jelling isn’t a big place. It is just a small town with some cool Viking stuff, but Viking stuff is cool no matter what. We parked at the lot that connects to the grocery store and walked over to the grounds. We scaled the mound first and looked around the church before we decided to go into the event, which had an admission.

This was about the time that my moody kids decided to throw a fit. Perhaps it was the presence of the ghosts of Viking kings that inspired their unruly behavior, but I have a feeling it was because they were awoken abruptly by us when we arrived to town. We were prepared with a packed lunch to avoid any grumpy “Snickers” moments, but even a well-stacked slice of rye bread couldn’t calm the moods of my Vikings.

After paying our admission, the lady at the gate gave my kids some candy. Maybe a small bribe of candy would get their moods in order. Maybe not! They were pretty much moody, whiny kids the entire time. This shouldn’t sway anyone from going to this event. I think most parents would understand what I’m talking about.

To rewrite the event in my mind, I will try to envision the day with pleasant children. Here goes!

Viking Horse Riding

One thing that my family loved about the Viking Market in Jelling, Denmark was all of the horses. The horse show was starting, so we followed the small crowd of people who seemed to be heading in the same direction to where the horse show was happening. The riders didn’t have horns or axes or anything that might lead you to think they belonged on the movie set of “How to Train Your Dragon.”

Interested in other Viking places in Denmark? Check out this post on the Vikingegård Fyrkat in Hobro, Denmark!

They must have been the peasants of the Viking days with no weapons or horned hats. (Side note: apparently, it is common knowledge that Vikings never wore horned hats. Ask any Danish child, since they seem to know everything there is to know. Apparently, I need some schooling.) They almost did a type of dance with the horses, which seemed interesting in itself.

Viking Life

After watching a bit of the show, we decided to walk around the tents to check out what else they had to offer. There were tents set up for demonstrations of life during the Viking days that seemed to draw our attention. Apparently, this was the “market” part of the Viking Market here in Jelling, and we were eager to walk through Denmark’s most important historical time period.

Basket Weaver and Viking Camp

The boys were interested in watching the Viking lady weave a basket out of sticks.

I thought the tents themselves were pretty interesting. They seemed so spacious. I could definitely see some of them on HGTV back in the states. 🙂 I secretly wanted to see where I could get one for my future backyard. When in Denmark, do as the Vikings do…right?

Stone Carver and Wood Worker

We also found a man who was a stone carver. This intrigued the boys to (almost) forget their crankiness of the day. They just couldn’t wrap their little heads around the idea of writing in stones. Being little boys, they already have some sort of fascination with rocks and pebbles. I think this “stone guy” took that interest to a new level. I could just see the wheels in their little heads spinning a plan to one day perfect this same craft, at least for a few seconds anyway. As little boys go, out of sight/out of mind. We were off to the next booth.

Of course, half way to the next booth, my little Vikings were too tired to carry on. Luckily, we found some chairs fit for them to take a rest.

Daddy and I enjoyed the rest of what we found in the tents, though I can’t quite say the same for the dudes. I think on another day, they would have been so excited about this, but apparently, we were just lucky to have decided a family excursion on a “cranky day”.
Below is a cool picture for the if and when chance that this might come in handy later in life. It looks like a neat thing to do. Anything to distract me from a whiny child. 😉 

Blacksmith and Garment Weaver

Moving on to the other side of the path, we encountered a tent that is near and dear to my heart, the crafty-lady tent. Though I would never say that I would want to loom on my own, I like working with fabrics when I can. This is in my ball park.

The blacksmith was another guy to strike an interest in my oldest son. The idea of making sharp things is always interesting to a little fella. He was just amazed that “that man” made all that “cool stuff”.

Viking Souvenirs at the Viking Market in Jelling, Denmark

Next was a handmade toy area. Note to self, get my dad to make them some swords and shields out of wood. They would be in 7th Heaven if they could have one, but the prices were enough to make me run in the other direction.

Perhaps, I am a cheapskate, but since we just made a large move across an ocean only a few months ago, I think it is wise to skip buying things this time. Dad, if you are reading this and you are itching to make something out of wood, here is your next project…please!

Feeling Like One of the Vikings

After checking out the ancient Viking letters, we were drawn to the sound of music.

A Viking band was playing music in front of the large, lunch tent. We couldn’t resist joining in the dancing. We came to party!

Before leaving, the boys found a sandbox to play in. They deserved some playtime that was much overdue in our opinions. Though the Viking market was interesting, I wouldn’t say that it offered a lot of physical activity for the kids.

They walked up a large burial mound, walked around and looked at tents/booths and danced. We were hoping that it was enough to allow them to pass out on the way home. Fingers crossed.

Overall Impressions

All in all, we had a nice day and learned a lot about Danish Viking culture! It was really neat to see all of the volunteers dressed in costume, but the fact that they were showing us how what normal Viking life was like was the best part. I liked watching them make things.

The feeling of stepping back in time or being a fly on the wall of “real” Vikings is kind of neat, and though we had somewhat grumpy kids, I think a good time was had by all. We take the good with the bad, and overall, it was a really good day! 🙂